"We've had messages going out ... and at this stage we are telling people to be mindful of where they live and if they are in the red zone they need to consider their options," he said. "We have contingency plans for additional staff if the need arises.

"We are in the preparation stage and we have been doing a lot of briefing with Brisbane about what is happening and setting up co-ordination centres."

Townsville Police Inspector Damien Irvine said officers had been told to prepare their own houses to ensure all hands are on deck when the cyclone hits.

"We have been making sure police have done their own preparations of their homes and they are already prepared so we can call people in if we need them," he said. "We have fuelled all our vehicles and generators and prepared the workplace so it can continue to function during the cyclone."

Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Rodger Bow said council had taken possession of the cyclone shelter to start preparing in case residents need to seek shelter.

"We have called ambulance officers and firefighters in to man the cyclone shelter," he said.

"The nursing home and hospital have also been prepared. We are well prepared for what this low will do."

QFES Commissioner Lee Johnson said residents should check their cyclone and storm surge risk and decide early if to evacuate.

"If you have any last-minute preparations, I urge you to complete these swiftly to ensure you are prepared for the potential impact this weather event could have overnight and in coming days," he said.

"Check your house, in particular the roof, is in good condition, trim tree branches clear of the house, clean gutters, clear property of debris and discuss your plans with family.

"Prepare your family by ­ensuring your emergency kit is well stocked with essential supplies including food, water, warm clothes, medications, first aid supplies, important documents, valuables and sleeping gear."

JOHNATHAN Thurston has provided the heart-starter the North Queensland needed, breathing life back into the Cowboys’ season with two late field goals to down the Melbourne Storm by one point in a thriller.

JOHNATHAN Thurston has provided the heart-starter the North Queensland needed, breathing life back into the Cowboys’ season with two late field goals to down the Melbourne Storm by one point in a thriller.

Leonie Norris isn’t quite sure how or why she stopped being active but after having four children, the 41-year-old mum realised she had let it all go. A desire to be able to run again has transformed her life.